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No legal proceedings are possible in respect of an informal sample
but, when adulteration is discovered, formal samples are obtained
immediately and necessary action is taken on receipt of the analytical
report regarding them.
During the year no sample of milk was found to be adulterated to
such a degree as to justify legal proceedings. Certain other food samples
were found to be inferior, but not to such an extent as to justify legal
action. In each of these cases a warning letter was sent to the Vendor
concerned.
The work carried out under the Food and Drugs (Adulteration) Act,
during the year is summarized in the Public Analyst's Report in the
appendix.
The Public Health (Preservatives, etc., in Food) Regulations.—
All samples of milk and cream taken during the year were submitted
to examination for preservatives. No evidence of the presence of
preservatives was obtained sufficient to warrant legal proceedings.
Margarine.—One application for transfer of registration was received
during the year from wholesale dealers in margarine.
CHEMICAL AND BACTERIOLOGICAL EXAMINATION
OF FOOD.
Analysis of Food and Drugs.—The Public Analyst is Mr. B. H.
Gerrans, F.I.C., and the investigations in connection with food and
drugs sold in the Borough are carried out in his laboratories. The
detailed results of analyses made during the year will be found appended
to this report.
Bacteriological Examinations.—Arrangements have also been made
with the Clinical Research Association for the bacteriological examination
of samples of milk under the Milk (Special Designations) Order, 1923.
No occasion has yet arisen for such investigation.
DISSEMINATION OF KNOWLEDGE AS TO NUTRITION.
Advice as to the necessity for a high standard of purity and quality
in relation to food is given by the staff of the Public Health Department.
In addition, lectures and film demonstrations on Health topics, including
Diet, are given from time to time at the premises of the Chelsea Health
Society. Leaflets are also issued to expectant and nursing mothers
which are of great assistance in focussing attention on this important
subject.
The desire of the public to consume a natural product, or at least that
they should be made aware if offered an artificial substitute, has found
expression in the Artificial Cream Act, 1929.